Kees Falls
Maine • 25 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
3.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Kees Falls
Kees Falls is a picturesque 25-foot waterfall located in the White Mountain National Forest in Maine. It is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering a serene and scenic experience.
The Setting
Kees Falls sits at 1,611 feet within White Mountain National Forest, in the hills of Maine. The falls drop 25 feet.
Height: 25 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Dryad Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire at 300 feet, lies 9.4 miles to the northwest.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Caribou (#31860), a 3.2-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 500 feet of elevation gain with grades of 10-12%. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
CARIBOU #31860
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.10 miTrail Description
The Caribou Trail leading to Kees Falls is a moderately challenging hike through a forested area with some rocky and uneven terrain. The trail follows along the Morrison Brook, providing scenic views and the sound of flowing water. The waterfall is located approximately 1.6 miles from the trailhead.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 25 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Kees Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Kees Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall typically has the highest flow due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the frozen waterfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with White Mountain National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Exercise caution on the trail, especially near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Check weather conditions before visiting, and avoid the trail during heavy rain or icy conditions.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Wild River, 3.6 miles away, not on Kees Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
35 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 62 years of record
1.35 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Wild River at Gilead, Maine (6 km away).
Today
Moderate
35 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Moderate
42 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
54 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
46 cfs
6/10Sun
Moderate
45 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
44 cfs
9/10Tue
Moderate
39 cfs
9/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to early June, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Bethel hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Kees Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Kees Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 44°F to 35°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 36 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Maine.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The ground through the falls loses about 161 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 25 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,609 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 195 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 116 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,609 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 161 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Kees Falls is accessed via the Caribou Trail, which begins at the trailhead on Route 113 in the White Mountain National Forest. The trailhead is located near the Maine-New Hampshire border.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Caribou Trail trailhead on Route 113. Spaces may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,611 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.343397° N, -70.948128° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be rocky and uneven. Bring insect repellent during the warmer months, and check trail conditions before visiting, especially in winter or after heavy rain.
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With 3.2 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Town & Country Inn & Resort
Evergreen Valley Inn
White Mountains Getaway with amazing views!
Grand Summit Hotel
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
HASTINGS CAMPGROUND
1.9 miles away · 25 sites
Overview Hastings Campground is located on Route 113 near the shore of Evans Brook in western Maine. It is situated in a rustic and remote part of White Mountain National Forest, not far from the towns of Gilead Me and Gorham, New Hampshire. Activities include fishing, hiking and mountain biking. The White Mountains boast pristine forests, clear mountain streams and rivers and the tallest peaks in the Northeast. The forest encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in New Hampshire and western Maine, and i
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness and other trails in the White Mountain National Forest.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Kees Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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